All-inclusive Summer holiday

For many travellers, the summer holidays are the perfect time to go on an all-inclusive holiday. The days are long, most resorts are in full swing, swimming pools are open, entertainment programmes are running, and in many destinations it really feels like a holiday. At the same time, the summer holidays are also the busiest time of the year. Popular hotels fill up faster, family rooms are in high demand, and prices are often higher than in May, June or September.

An all-inclusive holiday during the summer holidays is therefore all about making smart choices. You want sunshine, convenience and a hotel where everyone feels at home. This is particularly important when travelling with children. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks, ice creams, swimming pools and entertainment aren’t just extras, but elements that make the holiday much easier. You have less to organise and know exactly what to expect.

However, the summer holidays do not work the same way in every country. In the Netherlands, school holidays are spread across the North, Central and South regions, precisely to spread out the holiday crowds. The Dutch government states that this spread helps to limit peaks in holiday traffic. In Germany, the holidays vary by federal state, and the Kultusministerkonferenz publishes the holiday calendars for each Bundesland. In France, the system is based on school zones, whilst in the United Kingdom school holidays can vary by local council. In Belgium, too, the dates of the holidays may differ in parts of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.

For you as a holidaymaker, this means that the summer holidays do not start or end at the same time everywhere. Sometimes you’ll be travelling during a week when mainly Dutch people are on holiday. Sometimes your holiday will overlap with those in Germany, France, Belgium or the United Kingdom. You’ll notice this in prices, availability, how busy airports and hotels are, and the atmosphere at your destination. Family resorts in Spain, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Croatia and Bulgaria, in particular, can fill up quickly during certain weeks.

Why all-inclusive is such a good fit for summer holidays

During the summer holidays, you want your holiday to run smoothly. Especially if you’re travelling with children. The days are warm, everyone spends a lot of time outdoors and there’s something going on all day long. Children want to swim, have a drink, have a snack, get an ice cream, play and perhaps go to the kids’ club. Parents want to relax without constantly having to worry about their wallet, choosing restaurants or shopping.

That’s exactly why all-inclusive holidays work so well in the summer. You start with breakfast, then head to the pool or beach, grab a drink in between, sit down for lunch, and don’t have to worry about what everyone fancies until the evening. Or actually, not even then, because the buffet is ready and waiting. That takes a lot of small decisions out of the day.

All-inclusive holidays are also ideal for couples during the summer holidays. Especially if you opt for an adults-only hotel, a smaller resort or a hotel with à la carte restaurants. You don’t have to hunt for a table every evening, but you do have comfort, drinks, food and often wellness facilities or entertainment right at your fingertips. During the busy summer months, that can bring a real sense of peace of mind.

For groups of friends, all-inclusive is handy because the costs are clearer. Everyone knows in advance roughly how much the holiday will cost. Drinks, meals and snacks are largely included, which means there’s less discussion about spending.

What a summer holiday is really like

In July and August, most all-inclusive hotels are operating at full capacity. That brings plenty of benefits. Swimming pools are open, kids’ clubs are running, water slides are in operation, beach bars are open, entertainment is more extensive and excursions are often offered daily. This is ideal for families. You’re not just booking a room, but a complete holiday experience.

On the other hand, it’s busier. In popular hotels, breakfast can be lively, swimming pools are fuller and the best family rooms get booked up quickly. Restaurants and à la carte options may also require a booking. So, if you’re smart, you won’t just look at photos, but also check how the hotel operates during peak season.

A good summer holiday often starts with a routine. Having an early breakfast is handy if you want a nice spot by the pool. In hot destinations, the morning is the best time for the beach or excursions. Around midday, you’ll want to seek out some shade, have lunch, enjoy the air conditioning or take a dip in the pool. Later in the day, the weather becomes more pleasant and the resort comes to life again.

Air conditioning isn’t a luxury during the summer holidays, but a necessity. It can get particularly hot in July and August in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and the Balkans. So check that air conditioning is included, works properly and isn’t only switched on at set times. Shaded areas, parasols, children’s paddling pools and plenty of drinking fountains are also more important than you might think beforehand.

The best destinations for all-inclusive holidays during the summer holidays

Spain is one of the most popular countries for all-inclusive holidays during the summer. Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava and the Canary Islands offer plenty of choice. For families, Mallorca, Menorca and the Canary Islands are excellent choices thanks to their resorts, beaches and child-friendly hotels. For couples, adults-only hotels in Mallorca, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Ibiza are particularly appealing.

Greece is ideal for those seeking an island atmosphere. Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Zakynthos have plenty of all-inclusive hotels. In summer, everything is in full swing. Crete is diverse and vast, Rhodes is guaranteed sunshine and practical, Kos is compact, Corfu is greener and Zakynthos has a lovely atmosphere. With children, Crete, Rhodes and Kos are often the easiest choices.

Turkey is perhaps one of the strongest all-inclusive destinations for summer holidays. Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya in particular have large resorts with swimming pools, water parks, kids’ clubs, restaurants, spa facilities and entertainment. Turkey is ideal if you’re looking for good value for money and consider the resort itself important. It can get quite hot in July and August, so shade, air conditioning and swimming pools are essential.

Portugal is ideal for travellers seeking sun, beaches and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The Algarve has family-friendly hotels, beaches and seaside resorts. Madeira is less beach-oriented but excellent for nature, walking and wellness. For classic all-inclusive beach holidays, the Algarve is a more logical choice than Madeira.

Cyprus is warm, sunny and ideal for travellers who want plenty of sun. Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Protaras and Ayia Napa each have their own distinct atmospheres. For families, Protaras and Paphos are practical choices. For couples, hotels around Paphos and Limassol are worth considering. Bear in mind the heat in July and August.

Italy operates differently during the summer holidays compared to Turkey or Spain. All-inclusive options are available, but often take the form of beach hotels, family hotels, holiday parks, full board or half board plus. Sardinia, Sicily, the Adriatic coast, Lake Garda and Tuscany are popular. For families with children, beach hotels on the Adriatic coast and holiday parks around lakes are a practical choice.

Croatia is a strong choice thanks to its Adriatic coast, islands, natural beauty and crystal-clear sea. All-inclusive hotels are mainly found along the coast and on the islands, but are often less crowded than in Turkey. Istria, Dalmatia, Dubrovnik, Split, Makarska, Poreč and Rovinj are popular regions. The beaches are often pebbly, so water shoes are useful.

Bulgaria is an attractive option for families looking for an affordable all-inclusive sun holiday. Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Golden Sands and Albena have plenty of hotels with swimming pools, entertainment and beaches nearby. You can get good value for money, but choosing the right hotel is important. Read reviews about the food, cleanliness and location.

Montenegro, Albania and the Balkans are appealing to travellers looking for something a bit different. You’ll find an increasing number of hotels offering all-inclusive packages, but the options are less traditional than in Turkey or Spain. These countries are well suited to travellers who want to combine beach holidays with nature, cities and day trips.

The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia aren’t guaranteed-sun all-inclusive beach destinations, but they are well-suited to summer holidays with meal plans. Think holiday parks, family hotels, wellness hotels, mountain resorts, lakes, thermal baths and nature. Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia, in particular, are excellent choices for active family holidays with half-board, full-board or ‘all-inclusive light’ options.

Summer holidays with children

For families, the summer holidays are the most important all-inclusive period. Schools are closed, children want to get away, and many hotels cater entirely to families. A good family hotel makes all the difference. Look out for family rooms, a children’s pool, water slides, a kids’ club, a playground, a children’s buffet, entertainment, shade and proximity to the beach.

With young children, convenience is more important than luxury. A hotel with a children’s pool, a short transfer, family rooms and a quiet buffet may be a better option than a large resort where you have to walk a lot. With older children, water slides, sports fields, teen clubs, Wi-Fi, evening entertainment and a variety of food options become more important.

Turkey, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus are excellent choices for families looking for a wide range of hotel facilities. Austria, Slovenia, Germany and the Netherlands are good choices for families who prefer nature, lakes, holiday parks or active holidays. Italy and Croatia fall somewhere in between: plenty of sun, a beautiful coastline, but often less extensive all-inclusive packages than in Turkey.

In summer, also bear the heat in mind. Babies, toddlers and young children are less able to cope with extreme temperatures. In that case, it’s better to choose a destination with a slightly milder climate, a hotel with plenty of shade, or to travel in the first or last weeks of the summer holidays. June and late August can be more pleasant than the middle of July.

Summer holidays with teenagers

Teenagers have different needs to young children. They want freedom, Wi-Fi, sports, a swimming pool, water slides, the beach, activities and, sometimes, peers. A hotel can be as beautiful as you like, but if there’s nothing to do, teenagers will quickly get bored.

Larger resorts often work well for teenagers. Turkey, Mallorca, Crete, Rhodes, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Bulgaria and some hotels in Croatia are excellent choices. Look for sports facilities, a water park, a teens’ club, evening entertainment and a location near a lively promenade or beach.

Active destinations can also work well. Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia offer mountain biking, hiking, climbing, lakes, thermal baths and outdoor activities. It’s a different kind of summer holiday, but for active families it’s often much more fun than spending a whole week by the pool.

Summer holidays for couples

For couples, a summer holiday can feel hectic, especially in family resorts. That’s why choosing the right hotel is particularly important. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, opt for adults-only, small-scale hotels, wellness hotels or destinations away from the busiest family areas. Mallorca, Crete, Rhodes, Cyprus, Madeira, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Italy and the Canary Islands all offer plenty of lovely options for couples.

Adults-only hotels are popular in July and August because they offer peace and quiet at a time when many families are travelling. You’ll often find a quieter swimming pool, better restaurant standards, wellness facilities, cocktails, sea views and fewer children around. That makes for a more relaxing holiday.

Couples who aren’t necessarily looking for a beach holiday can also opt for wellness breaks in Austria, Slovenia, Germany, the Czech Republic or Slovakia. Mountain air, spas, good food and walks can be wonderful in summer. It’s less of a traditional all-inclusive experience, but the service is often very attentive.

July or August – which will you choose?

July and August are similar, but don’t always feel the same. In July, the peak season kicks off in many places. Hotels are operating at full capacity, school holidays begin in several countries and temperatures rise rapidly. In August, it’s even busier at many destinations, especially around popular coastal towns and family resorts.

August is often the hottest and busiest month in southern Europe. Many local travellers are on holiday at this time. You’ll really notice this in Italy, Spain, France, Croatia and Greece. Beaches, restaurants and roads can be more crowded. At the same time, the atmosphere is lively and summery.

July can be slightly more pleasant if you travel just before the main local peak. Late August can also be an attractive time to visit, especially as some countries are already gearing up for the start of the new school term. The weather often remains warm, but the crowds sometimes thin out a little. For families, you’re naturally dependent on school dates, but within that period, a week’s difference can make a big difference.

What should you bear in mind when booking a summer holiday?

The first question is: are you mainly looking for the convenience of a hotel, the beach, a water park, nature or peace and quiet? For hotel convenience, choose Turkey, Spain, Greece or Bulgaria. For beaches and a lively atmosphere, choose Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain or Portugal. For nature and an active holiday, choose Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Slovakia or the Czech Republic. For peace and quiet, opt for smaller-scale hotels, adults-only resorts or travel at the start or end of the holiday season.

Next, take a look at the hotel. During the summer holidays, facilities are important. How many swimming pools are there? Is there enough shade? Are there water slides? Is the kids’ club open? Are there family rooms? Is air conditioning included? Are sun loungers free? Do you need to book à la carte restaurants? Are there enough reviews from July and August?

Also consider the location. A hotel right by the sea is lovely, but not always necessary if the resort has good swimming pools. With young children, a short transfer is preferable. With teenagers, a lively area is handy. For those seeking peace and quiet, a hotel outside the busiest seaside resorts is often better.

Also check exactly what ‘all-inclusive’ entails. In some hotels, local drinks, snacks and ice creams are included. In others, you’ll pay extra for fresh juices, premium drinks, the minibar, beach service or à la carte restaurants. That doesn’t have to be a problem, but you’ll want to know in advance.

All-inclusive deals for the summer holidays

The summer holidays are popular, so the best hotels often fill up early. Booking early is particularly wise if you’re travelling with children, need a family room or have specific requirements such as a water park, heated swimming pool, short transfer or an adults-only hotel. Last-minute bookings are sometimes still possible, but during school holidays the choice is often more limited.

If you’re flexible, you’re more likely to get a good deal. Flying from a different airport, choosing a different departure date or travelling just outside the busiest weeks can make a big difference. Destinations such as Bulgaria, Turkey and Tunisia outside Europe, some Balkan countries, or lesser-known regions of Spain and Greece can also offer better value than popular islands during peak weeks.

Bear in mind, however, that cheap isn’t always the best option. During the summer holidays, you’ll be spending a lot of time in and around the hotel. If the food is disappointing, the swimming pools are too small or the rooms aren’t properly air-conditioned, you’ll notice it every day. With all-inclusive holidays, hotel quality is particularly important.

Summer holidays in Europe, by type of holiday

For sun and beaches, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Cyprus, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Malta and Montenegro are obvious choices.

For families with young children, Turkey, Mallorca, Menorca, Crete, Rhodes, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Bulgaria and holiday parks in the Netherlands, Germany or France are excellent choices.

For teenagers, larger resorts in Turkey, Spain, Greece and Bulgaria are good options, as are active destinations such as Austria and Slovenia.

For couples, adults-only hotels in Spain, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey are attractive. Wellness hotels in Austria, Germany, Slovenia and the Czech Republic are also good options.

For active summer holidays, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic and parts of Croatia and Montenegro are worth considering.

For affordable all-inclusive holidays, Turkey, Bulgaria, some Greek islands, parts of Spain and destinations in the Balkans are often worth considering, depending on the week of the holiday.

Summer holidays in practice

An all-inclusive holiday during the summer holidays is often exactly what families and couples are looking for: sunshine, convenience, food and drink taken care of, plenty of facilities and little need for daily planning. But as it’s the busiest time of the year, preparation is particularly important.

Choose a destination that suits your travel group. Choose a hotel that runs smoothly during the peak season. Look out for air conditioning, shade, pool area, room layout, children’s facilities and what’s actually included. Bear in mind the crowds, especially when school holidays from several countries overlap.

If you get this right, you’ll get the most out of your summer holiday. You’ll have long days, warm evenings, resorts running at full capacity and children who keep themselves easily entertained. And that’s precisely why all-inclusive holidays remain so popular during the summer holidays: you have less to organise, whilst your holiday feels even more fulfilling and hassle-free.

FAQ on all-inclusive holidays during the summer holidays

Is the summer holiday a good time for an all-inclusive holiday?

Yes, the summer holidays are one of the best times for all-inclusive holidays. Hotels are operating at full capacity, swimming pools and entertainment programmes are in full swing, and families in particular benefit from meals, drinks and facilities being included.

Which destinations are best during the summer holidays?

For sun and the convenience of a hotel, Turkey, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Italy are excellent choices. For active holidays, Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic are worth considering.

Is an all-inclusive holiday expensive during the summer holidays?

It’s often more expensive than outside school holidays. Demand is high, particularly for family rooms and hotels with water parks. Booking early is usually a good idea if you have specific requirements.

Is July or August better?

July is often a little quieter at the start of the holiday season. August is warmer and busier at many southern European destinations, as many local travellers are also on holiday. Things can sometimes quieten down again towards the end of August.

What should you look out for when travelling with children?

Look out for family rooms, children’s pools, slides, kids’ clubs, entertainment, shade, air conditioning, children’s buffets and short distances within the hotel. Be sure to read reviews from July and August.

Are water parks always open during the summer holidays?

Usually, but always check. Some hotels have restricted opening hours for slides or water parks. Rules regarding minimum height or age may also apply.

Which destinations are best for a peaceful summer holiday?

Choose adults-only hotels, small-scale resorts or destinations away from the busiest family areas. Madeira, some Greek islands, parts of Croatia, Austria, Slovenia and wellness hotels can be quieter.

What’s important when booking all-inclusive holidays in the summer?

Air conditioning, shade, pool areas, plenty of restaurants, a good selection of drinks, clear all-inclusive terms and conditions, and recent peak-season reviews are important. In the summer, you’ll be making the most of the hotel, so quality makes a big difference.